American Airlines said on Monday that it was awarded by the U.S. government the tentative right to begin service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Beijing, China, beginning in March 2009.

American, the world's largest airline, will fly the route with its 245-seat Boeing 777 aircraft in three-class configuration beginning March 25, 2009.

"We're obviously delighted with Department of Transportation (DOT)'s decision today," said Will Ris, American's senior vice president for Government Affairs. "We said in our application that American's Chicago gateway will provide increased network competition and customer choice in the growing China market."

American's Chicago hub is an important gateway to Asia, with more than 500 daily departures to more than 115 nonstop destinations flown by American and its regional affiliate, American Eagle.

Besides the large Chicago-area market, American also expects that travelers in 29 states and the District of Columbia will also benefit from the new service and its convenient connections to Beijing and beyond through Chicago.

"China is one of the most important international markets in the world. This new route from Chicago to Beijing will open up another wide range of possibilities for Illinois consumers, businesses and tourists," said Sen. Dick Durbin.